With the cooler months on the way, are your trees in good shape? You would be wise to know which fall chores will stand up to winter storms and to take a look up at any overhanging branches that have gone weak.
For those with property in Lancaster and vicinity, there is no better time of year to put some attention on your trees than now. We at CBC Lawn and Tree, LLC (CBC Tree Service) are here to see that homeowners in the region have healthy and secure trees. Our team can be reached at (803) 680-2239.
South Carolina fall is a combination of milder days, leaves on the ground and the early signs of what the storm season will bring. Given the weather patterns we have in this part of the country and our dense clay soils, a measure of preparation is well worth it. The following are tips any Lancaster homeowner ought to consider.
The Case for Fall Tree Care
There are sound reasons to make fall the season for your trees. They are not under as much stress from work like pruning once the summer heat is behind them and they have slowed their growth. Then there is the matter of not being caught off guard by ice or high winds when you have put in the effort to get ahead of the winter storms.
In our area, fall tree care is important for:
- Lessening the stress of pruning with the cooler temps
- An unobstructed view of thinning branches where one might spot trouble
- Taking out dead limbs to be safe come storm season
- Dealing with clay soil that retains moisture in a different way in the fall
- Nipping any pest or disease in the bud before winter has a chance to spread it
A Check for Weakness and Damage
Have a good look around at all the trees you have. When the weather gets rough you do not want a hazard on your hands. In Lancaster the heavy clay can get root systems loose with enough rain, so note any trunks that are leaning or soil that has been lifted at the base.
Be on the lookout for:
- Splits or cracks in a limb or trunk
- Branches that are dead or hanging over the driveway and home
- Mushrooms or fungus at the base
- A tree that has a habit of shifting in a storm
- Any place that is bare of leaves when it should not be
Should you find these things, let a pro have at it. We are licensed and insured at CBC Tree Service and on hand 24/7 for the property owners of Lancaster, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Indian Land and beyond.
Pruning Out the Risk
You will find pruning to be among the most productive of fall activities. It is a way to keep your trees in better health and avoid having limbs come down in a winter storm by way of the dead or crossing ones. A branch cleared from your roof or power lines is one less problem to worry about.
That said, it is not something to tackle yourself if the tree is tall or the limb large, nor if there are power lines in the vicinity. For safety’s sake it is best to leave it to a professional with the right equipment and local know how.
Soil and Ground Work
Leaves will be falling. A light covering is not an issue but too much will smother the grass and hold moisture to the roots. Rake away any thick build up.
Because the clay in our region is slow to drain, water left standing at the foot of a tree can cause trouble for the roots. See to it that low spots where rain pools are watched. Put down some mulch to maintain moisture, but leave a few inches between it and the trunk.
Some Land Clearing to Plan For
The cooler weather is conducive to getting larger projects done, be it brush, dead trees or overgrowth. We provide land clearing and forestry mulching for commercial as well as residential properties at CBC Lawn and Tree so your lot is in order for the winter.
Storm Readiness for Your Trees
Proper fall care makes for a healthier and more secure winter for your property. There is no need to go at it by yourself; CBC Tree Service is available round the clock and we are fully licensed and insured. We extend free estimates to homeowners in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
Do not put it off. Call us at (803) 680-2239 to put in for your fall tree care.